Vaginal fungus (vaginal fungus)

A Vaginal fungus (vaginal fungus) is an infection in the area of ​​the mucous membrane in the intimate area of ​​women, the vagina or vagina. Pregnant women and women with diabetes are more likely to suffer from vaginal thrush. But other factors can also be a triggering cause. Typical signs are a watery discharge and severe itching around the vagina.

What is vaginal thrush?

Of the Vaginal fungus, also as Vaginal fungus is an infection of the lining of the female vagina. This is often associated with severe itching in the vagina; Pain during sexual intercourse is by no means uncommon with this disease. Furthermore, painful urination can also occur.

In addition, the vagina is usually visibly red and swollen. This disease can also be recognized by changes in the mucous membrane - gray-white and crumbly deposits can often be observed. Fungus is a very common form of the infectious disease in women: three out of four women are affected by vaginal yeast at least once in their lives.

causes

Fungus or vaginal fungus is particularly common in pregnant women or in women who suffer from diabetes. Taking certain medications can also lead to this symptom. Antibiotics are one of those drugs that favor vaginal thrush. However, taking the contraceptive pill can also lead to vaginal thrush.

Especially with diabetes, the vaginal immune system is weakened and fungi can spread unhindered. In most cases the pathogen is a yeast fungus, in most cases it is transmitted during sexual intercourse. However, poor hygiene can also lead to vaginal thrush. On the other hand, excessive hygiene can also lead to vaginal yeast infestation.

But other causes are also conceivable. Women who suffer from a generally weakened immune system or stress are more prone to vaginal thrush.

Symptoms, ailments & signs

The signs of vaginal thrush are redness and itching around the vagina. The itching can occur when the genital organs are touched or persist. Usually it is the first symptom. The reddening is not necessarily present from the beginning and can only be found in the inner vaginal area. You may experience pain during intercourse or urinating.

In most cases, the vaginal thrush cannot be seen directly as such. Whitish coatings that look like fungus are in fact rather rare on the labia. However, the vaginal thrush can often be seen during a pelvic exam.

The entire vaginal area can swell and burn from vaginal mycosis. The inside of the vagina and the labia may be affected. The pain can vary in severity. The skin around the vagina can also become red and cracked. Sometimes there are visible blisters or a rash in the genital area.

These symptoms vary in severity - depending on the other vaginal flora and the type of fungus. In most cases there is a whitish discharge that is creamy to crumbly in consistency. The smell in the genital area is described as unpleasant.

Complications

If left untreated, the vaginal fungus can spread further and further. An infestation of the uterus and bladder can occur as a complication of inadequately treated vaginal fungus. In general, the disease can become a chronic infection if it is not treated with the appropriate ointments or tablets for a long enough time or at all. A typical complication of vaginal thrush is still the partner's infection.

Unprotected intercourse or inadequate hygiene, for example when using towels, can encourage the fungus to be transmitted from person to person. If the intimate partner does not treat each other consistently, he or she is initially threatened with infection. If both partners do not receive adequate treatment for their fungal infection, the infection of both affected persons will continually flare up again as they infect each other again and again.

As a complication, this can sometimes lead to the fact that the vaginal fungus not only spreads further and further in the body and weakens the immune system. There is also the threat of the complication that the fungus itself gradually becomes immune to the active ingredients previously used in ointments and creams. To prevent this, therapy should always be given early and, above all, for a sufficiently long time.

When should you go to the doctor?

Itching in the genital area and slight swelling of the labia indicate a vaginal yeast infection. Gynecologist advice is needed when the symptoms affect wellbeing and quickly become worse. If the symptoms do not go away through adequate intimate hygiene, it is best to consult a gynecologist. Women who suffer from hormonal fluctuations or who have a weakened immune system due to illness are particularly at risk. People who take certain medications such as antibiotics or rheumatism drugs also belong to the risk groups and have to go to the gynecologist with the symptoms mentioned.

In the case of recurring yeast infections, possible sources of infection must be identified and eliminated together with the doctor. Other doctors who can be consulted are, depending on the symptoms and the suspected cause, the internist or a gastroenterologist. If the vaginal thrush is treated early, it should subside within a few days. In the event of persistent symptoms and any side effects and interactions caused by the prescribed antibiotics, it is best to inform the doctor responsible so that the medication can be adjusted.

Treatment & Therapy

Are the first signs of one Vaginal fungus recognizable, affected women should consult a gynecologist. This will take a so-called smear, which will be examined in the laboratory. If a vaginal thrush is then diagnosed, appropriate treatment must be given. With this, however, the symptoms usually go away within three to four days.

The treatment is usually done with so-called antimycotics, these are drugs specifically against fungal diseases. Vaginal suppositories and ointments also work well against this condition. If the vaginal thrush appears in a woman for the first time, it usually disappears again within a few days with the appropriate treatment.

prevention

Around Vaginal fungus To prevent this, one should ensure adequate hygiene in the genital area. The partner should also be encouraged to do so. However, you shouldn't overdo it with your personal hygiene and avoid using hot bath additives or creams if possible. Intimate sprays also usually do more harm than good. Clear water with a pH value of 7 is best for cleaning the vagina.

Tight-fitting clothing and fabrics made from synthetic fibers can also promote vaginal thrush - these should be avoided at best. Underwear made of cotton, silk or even hemp is better. It is also important to choose the right pads and panty liners. These should not be coated with plastic. Toilet hygiene can also be crucial; With this you should always wipe from front to back and never the other way around - this way bacteria and fungi hardly stand a chance.

Anyone who has already been affected by this disease several times should use a simple but effective trick: simply insert a tampon soaked with natural yogurt into the vagina overnight. This restores the natural protective mechanism of the vagina.

Aftercare

After successfully treating vaginal thrush, the main thing is to avoid it happening again. In the area of ​​aftercare, numerous measures are therefore necessary to prevent a renewed infestation of vaginal fungus. This of course includes regular and gentle intimate hygiene, as well as wearing clean underwear made of natural fibers.

It is also advisable to avoid antiseptic bath products, soaps and intimate sprays with perfume. This protects the natural balance of the vaginal flora and remains immune. If the vaginal skin is extremely dry, it is advisable to use specific lubricant gel during intercourse.

Here, too, attention should be paid to the most natural possible composition. If vaginal yeast infections occur more often, the partner should also be treated and preventive measures taken afterwards. After a bowel movement, you should always clean it towards the back, i.e. towards your back. It is important that the germs from the intestines do not get into the vagina.

In addition, the consumption of sweets must be restricted and a healthy, balanced diet rich in fiber must be ensured. In diabetics, the sugar level should be well adjusted and checked regularly. If symptoms recur, which could indicate vaginal thrush, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible. A recurring vaginal yeast infection is generally harmless, but therapy that is applied quickly can prevent the spread of recurring vaginal yeast infections and thus prevent stressful relapses.

You can do that yourself

The vaginal or vaginal fungus is an unpleasant disease that can be alleviated with self-help. Not infrequently, this can even make a doctor's visit and the associated treatment unnecessary. However, this only applies to cases in which the patient's clinical picture is already known. This is often the case when the vaginal thrush has become a recurring phenomenon.

Since the vaginal thrush is often triggered by antibiotics, it is helpful to only take them as part of self-help when they are actually necessary. If in doubt, it is always advisable to consult the attending physician.

Furthermore, itching often intensifies the clinical picture enormously and leads to swelling or redness. Tampons that have been soaked with natural yoghurt can provide relief here. This has two advantages: on the one hand, the yoghurt cools the irritated tissue, and on the other hand, yoghurt helps to restore the natural flora of the vagina. The milieu is brought back into balance, which is the first step in combating the fungal infection. This measure is supported by gentle cleaning with lukewarm water, which does not irritate the vagina additionally. The underwear should be made of cotton and not synthetic fibers to encourage sweating and thus fungal growth. The underwear is best washed at 60 degrees or more.